Morocco will consolidate its grip on Western Sahara

Significance

France has joined the United States, Israel and Spain in backing Rabat, tipping the diplomatic balance further in Morocco's favour. This is to the detriment of Algeria, the principal backer of statehood for Western Sahara's indigenous Sahrawi.

Impacts

• The pro-independence Polisario Front will lose considerable diplomatic ground on the world stage.
• Morocco will redouble efforts to complete a gas pipeline to Nigeria, which is also part of Rabat's efforts to undercut Algiers.
• In lieu of an open confrontation, the authorities in Algeria and Morocco will engage in targeted cyber and negative media campaigns.